Ukraine announced on Monday that its forces had killed or wounded at least 30 North Korean soldiers deployed by Russia to the western Kursk region. The development comes amidst a growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, as thousands of North Korean troops bolster Russia’s defenses in its war against Ukraine.
The conflict, now in its second year, has seen a dramatic escalation on multiple fronts, including Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine recently launched a surprise offensive and seized territory. Kyiv’s military intelligence reported the losses inflicted on the North Korean contingent during clashes near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka on December 14 and 15.
“Army units from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) suffered significant losses in the Kursk region – at least 30 soldiers were killed and wounded,” Ukraine’s military intelligence stated. The report highlighted that Russian forces are replenishing the depleted units with additional personnel from North Korea, part of a broader military collaboration between the two countries.
Western officials estimate that North Korea has sent at least 10,000 troops to reinforce Moscow’s strained forces. This marks a significant escalation in North Korea’s direct involvement in the conflict, as Pyongyang and Moscow continue to deepen their military ties. Analysts have pointed to a symbiotic relationship: while Russia benefits from North Korean manpower, Pyongyang receives economic and military aid in return, including vital food supplies and advanced weaponry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in combined Russian units operating in the Kursk region. “The Russians include [North Koreans] in combined units and use them in operations in the Kursk region,” Zelenskyy said on Saturday. He noted that North Korean soldiers might also be deployed along other sections of the extensive front line, adding, “Losses among this category are also already noticeable.”
The Kursk region has been a focal point of renewed hostilities since Ukraine launched its summer counteroffensive in August, gaining control of significant portions of territory. Kyiv’s forces have since faced stiff resistance as Russia, bolstered by North Korean troops, pushes back to regain lost ground.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced last week that its troops had recaptured several small settlements in the Kursk region. These gains, while limited, reflect Moscow’s determination to claw back territory seized by Ukrainian forces in recent months. Despite these advances, Kyiv continues to hold onto portions of Kursk, with a Ukrainian military source confirming the control of 800 square kilometers of territory. This figure, however, represents a decrease from earlier claims of 1,400 square kilometers under Ukrainian control.
The area remains a hotbed of intense fighting, with reports of heavy casualties on both sides. The arrival of North Korean forces has added a new dimension to the conflict, drawing condemnation from Western officials who accuse Pyongyang of directly enabling Russia’s aggression.
The deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia marks an unprecedented development in international conflict dynamics. While North Korea has historically remained isolated on the global stage, its alliance with Russia has grown significantly since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In recent months, the two nations have reportedly engaged in weapons trade, with North Korea supplying ammunition and artillery shells to Russia in exchange for technological assistance and economic relief.
“Russia’s decision to use North Korean troops underscores the challenges it faces in sustaining its military campaign,” said Olga Oliker, an expert on Russian military strategy. “This alliance is a clear indication of the strain on Russian forces and the lengths Moscow will go to in order to maintain pressure on Ukraine.”
The partnership has been further cemented by high-level diplomatic exchanges. In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin, a rare foreign visit that underlined the countries’ deepening ties. The visit resulted in agreements that observers believe included arms deals and increased military cooperation.
The involvement of North Korean troops presents new challenges for Ukraine as it battles to reclaim occupied territories and defend against Russian offensives. While the scale of North Korea’s involvement remains limited compared to Russia’s overall military strength, their presence adds manpower to critical areas like the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are stretched thin.
Ukrainian military officials have expressed concerns about the tactical use of North Korean troops, who are reportedly integrated into Russian units for specific operations. “They are being used in high-intensity areas where Russia seeks to hold or retake ground,” a Ukrainian defense official told local media.
However, analysts suggest that the presence of foreign troops could also create vulnerabilities for Russia. The integration of non-Russian forces might lead to communication challenges and logistical issues, potentially hampering the effectiveness of combined units. Furthermore, the reliance on foreign troops highlights potential morale and recruitment issues within the Russian military.
The deployment of North Korean troops has sparked international outrage, with Western officials condemning both Moscow and Pyongyang for escalating the conflict. The United States and its allies have vowed to monitor the situation closely, warning of potential sanctions against North Korea for its involvement.
“The fact that North Korea is sending soldiers to support Russia’s illegal war is deeply concerning and unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. “This is a blatant violation of international norms and further isolates Pyongyang on the global stage.”
South Korea has also voiced strong opposition to North Korea’s actions. A statement from the South Korean government described the deployment as a “provocative and destabilizing act” that threatens regional security. Seoul has called for additional international pressure on Pyongyang to halt its military support for Moscow.
The ongoing battles in the Kursk region, coupled with the involvement of foreign troops, underscore the increasingly complex and international nature of the Ukraine war. As winter sets in, both sides are racing to secure strategic advantages before weather conditions complicate operations.
For Ukraine, maintaining control of the territory it has gained is a top priority. Kyiv’s leadership has vowed to continue its counteroffensive despite the formidable challenges posed by Russia’s reinforcements, including the North Korean contingent. Ukrainian officials have also emphasized the need for continued Western support in the form of weapons, training, and humanitarian aid.
Russia, meanwhile, appears determined to leverage its alliance with North Korea and other international partners to sustain its war effort. The use of North Korean troops highlights the lengths to which Moscow will go to replenish its ranks and maintain its foothold in contested regions.
